As of October 2024, data shows that there were 5.52 billion internet users worldwide, accounting for 67.5% of the global population. In total, 5.22 billion people, or 63.8% of the world’s population, were social media users.
Global Internet Usage
The internet, connecting billions of people worldwide, is a cornerstone of modern information society. Northern Europe ranked first among global regions in terms of internet penetration in 2024. In April 2024, 99% of the population in the Netherlands, Norway, and Saudi Arabia had internet access. North Korea was on the opposite end of the spectrum, with nearly no internet usage among the general population, ranking last worldwide.
Asia had the highest number of internet users globally, with more than 2.93 billion as of the latest count. Europe followed in second place, with approximately 750 million users. China, India, and the United States had the largest internet user bases compared to other countries.
Global Internet User Demographics
In 2023, the share of female internet users worldwide was 65%, five percentage points lower than that of men. The gender gap in internet usage was more pronounced in Arab states and Africa, at around ten percentage points. In regions such as the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe, the gender gap was smaller. In 2023, individuals aged 15–24 had the highest internet usage across all regions, with youth in Europe leading at 98%. Comparatively, the global average for the 15–24 age group was 79%. Income levels also played a crucial role in internet access, with 93% of people in high-income countries using the internet, compared to only 27% in low-income markets.
